Sutil 'finally smiling' after a race

Sutil took full advantage of Spyker's improved B-spec car to climb up the field, fighting strongly with the midfield runners.

The German went on to finish in 14th position and admitted he had never been happier this season.

"This is the first time I am smiling after getting out of the car," said Sutil. "It was a good race and every lap there were cars in front and behind that I was racing so I had to really push, but also defend.

"It was a great feeling, especially the first run, which was crazy - I could take one car after another and got up to 12th before the first pit stop.

"We didn't have any trouble in the stops, everything went very smoothly, and I think 14th place with the B-spec car is very good."

Teammate Sakon Yamamoto completed a promising day for Spyker, the Japanese going on to finish in 17th place.

"From the start I really pushed as I could set the same pace as the other drivers, but I had a soft tyre that gave a a lot of understeer," said Yamamoto. "On my first stop we went to the harder tyre and made a wing change so the car became much better balanced and I could push for the rest of the race distance.

"It was a good result and I think we can be pleased as this weekend we have shown how much we can do with the B-spec. The next race in Fuji will be my home Grand Prix so I am now really looking forward to racing there."